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Lincoln
American Legion
Post begins to rebuild
[JULY 23, 2002]
"It’s
important to rebuild this structure," Illinois Sen. Larry Bomke,
R-Springfield, told the crowd gathered Saturday at the
groundbreaking for the Lincoln American Legion Post 263 home, "so we
can continue to honor America’s biggest heroes."
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Despite the near 90-degree heat, five
Legion dignitaries, Bomke and Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis dug
ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt. Footings for the new post home were
poured during the week, and the exterior of the building is expected
to be completed by mid-November.
Emcee C. Wayne Schrader of Lincoln said
he felt like he "lost a home" when the previous post home burned on
Jan. 4. Logan County Commander Jerry Boward of Middletown added,
"I’m ready for this to be built. There have been a lot of good times
here."
Fourth Division Senior Vice Commander
Chella Yeakel of Colfax said of the Lincoln Legion’s efforts, "It’s
kind of a good and a bad feeling — bad that they have to do it, good
that they’re going to rebuild and come back as strong as they were
before."
[Photos by Lynn Shearer Spellman]
Post 263 Commander David Hennessey of
Lincoln presented a brick from the burned structure to Senior Vice
Commander Elvin Carey of Chicago. Other bricks from the previous
post home have been sold as part of fund-raising. Approximately half
the $630,000 cost of the building has been raised. Dorothy Morrow,
chair of the fund drive, thanked other Legion posts for holding
benefits but said contributions are still needed.
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this article]
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Willie Hedrick, who represents the Sons
of the American Legion on the building committee, drew the floor
plans for the new hall. "What’s good about new construction," he
said, "is that you can scratch what has been outgrown and do what
you need to do." Improvements include a more open ballroom, a bigger
kitchen with better work area, more washrooms and more storage.
Mary Patterson, past auxiliary
department president from Lincoln, was an honored guest at the
ceremony. The meeting room in the new structure, as in its
predecessor, will be named the Mary Pat Room in her honor.
Seventeenth
District Commander Gilbert Holocker of Washburn completed the roster
of Legion dignitaries who took part in the groundbreaking. Other
Legionnaires participated in the color guard and were among the
crowd. A reception followed the ceremony.
[Lynn
Shearer Spellman]
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